UPDATE: 3 foot deep and 6 foot long sink hole blocks Stamford town centre junction

Lincolnshire Police has cordoned off the centre of the junction of Scotgate and West Street.

It is causing long delays to traffic in the centre of town but has been partially closed in the interests of public safety.

Traffic is backed up along the A43, St Mary’s Hill and along the A1175 back to Priory Road.

Ian Gregory, from Lincolnshire County Council Highways, is currently on scene and is liaising with the police and staff from the National Grid.

He said: “At this stage, we do not know exactly what has caused this hole to open up. What I do know is that although it looks small on top, it is actually around three feet deep and probably six feet long.

“It’s so big I could get in there and lie down if I wanted to. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.”

Police officers are currently directing motorists around the sink hole. It will soon be cordoned off and four-way temporary traffic controls will be put in place, which are expected to cause long delays during the evening rush hour.

Lincolnshire Police is urging motorists to avoid the area if possible.

More here shortly...